U.S. and the World

American Stuck in Cuban Prison Sues U.S. Government

During his fifth trip to Cuba, Gross was arrested in December 2009. Finally tried in March 2011, he was convicted of participating in “a subversive project of the U.S. government that aimed to destroy the Revolution through the use of communications systems out of the control of [Cuban] authorities,” and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Gross contends that neither USAID nor Development Alternatives fully explained to him the dangers of the work before he left for Cuba. read more

Mexican Drug Cartel Diversifies…to Coal

The Zetas drug cartel is now selling millions of dollars worth of coal each year in northern Mexico, across the border from Texas. This relatively legitimate business allows the cartel to launder money gained from drug trafficking. In Coahuila state, which produces 95% of Mexico’s coal, the cartel produces or buys 10,000 tons of coal a week and sells it to the Mexican government at inflated prices, earning $22 million to $25 million annually. read more

Homeland Security to begin Scanning Prepaid Payment Cards of Arriving Travelers

Under current law, travelers arriving in the United States must declare if they are carrying more than $10,000 in cash, traveler’s checks or other negotiable currency. However, according to a proposed amendment to the Bank Secrecy Act, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to also scan prepaid cards in possession of anyone trying to enter the United States. read more

Failure to Heed 2009 Report on Diplomatic Security May Have Contributed to Benghazi Attack

Although Diplomatic Security funding and personnel increased considerably between 1998 and 2010—the budget grew nine-fold from $200 million to $1.8 billion and the workforce doubled—since 2011 Republicans in Congress have pushed to cut BDS funding by tens of millions of dollars and the agency has experienced staff shortages. In 2008, about one-third of BDS’s domestic sub-offices had vacancy rates greater than 25%. read more

65th Place at the Olympics not Good Enough for “Extraordinary Ability” Visa to U.S.

Under the Immigration Act of 1990, employment visas can be given to those possessing “extraordinary ability” in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. Noroozi sought the visa claiming to be a top international player. He finished tied for 65th and last place at the 2008 Olympics, having lost his only match. He was ranked 284th in the world. read more

U.S. Exports Reach Record High; Trade Deficit Lowest in almost Two Years

The change was brought about by a 3.1% increase in exports to $187 billion, an all-time high. Sales of commercial aircraft, heavy machinery and farm goods, especially soybeans, helped fuel the rise. Another key factor was a $2.2 billion boost in oil exports, spearheaded by the production of natural gas by fracking (hydraulic fracturing). read more

Remember the War in Afghanistan? U.S. Still has 68,000 Troops There and Averages One Drone Attack a Day

Despite the decreasing coverage of the war in Afghanistan, there are still about 68,000 U.S. troops in the country and 280 Americans died there during the first ten months of 2012. The United States this year has launched more drone strikes than at any other time in the 11-year conflict. read more

Puerto Ricans Vote to become U.S. State

The decision to become the 51st state ultimately rests with Congress, but it is unlikely lawmakers will approve statehood as long as Republicans are in charge of the House. This is because Puerto Ricans are viewed as more supportive of the Democratic Party. President Barack Obama had expressed support for the referendum. Puerto Rico's representation in the House consists of a resident commissioner who can only vote on procedural matters and in committees. read more

Europe OKs First Commercial Gene Therapy: Patient Cost is $1.6 Million

Glybera, which corrects errors in a person’s genetic code, will be available next year, now that the European Medicines Agency has approved its sale. The treatment will cost about 1.2 million euros ($1.6 million) per patient. The company’s goal is to gain the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval for the drug by 2014. read more

U.S. Ended Most of Its Foreign Meat Inspections and Curtailed Publicizing What’s Left

Although about 17% of the U.S. food supply is imported and several recent cases of food contamination have originated abroad, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has quietly cut spending since 2009 on in-person inspections of foreign slaughterhouses and meat processing plants, relying instead on a risk-based system that features more self-reporting. USDA officials disdain the phrase “risk-based,” preferring to call it “system-based.” read more

3 States Voting on Pot Legalization Could Have Major Impact on Drug Cartels

If voters in Colorado, Oregon and Washington on Tuesday pass ballot measures legalizing possession of marijuana they will be striking a blow against the violent drug cartels that sell Mexican weed in the U.S., according to a new report from a respected think tank in Mexico City. Marijuana has been illegal nationwide since 1937. read more

CIA Discloses Covert Team’s Rapid Response to Benghazi Embassy Attack

In response to criticism from conservatives and Fox News, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) disclosed for the first time how its agents assisted the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, when it came under attack two months ago. Republicans have tried to score political points by questioning the Obama administration’s reaction to the assault that killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. read more

Scotland Yard for Sale! (Sherlock Holmes Not Included)

To reach its goal of cutting $800 million from its budget, London’s police department is considering selling off its famed headquarters known as New Scotland Yard. Selling the building on Victoria Street, which has been the police force’s headquarters since 1967, could bring as much as $322 million. read more

Fidel Castro Hired Nazi SS Soldiers to Train His Troops during Cuban Missile Crisis, Reports German Intelligence

Newly released documents from Germany’s secret intelligence agency reveal that Cuban dictator Fidel Castro recruited two former Nazi SS soldiers to help train his military during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Castro also tried to hire German paratroopers and technicians to bolster his country’s defenses against a possible American invasion. read more

The Oldest Town in Europe—Dating to 4,700 BC—Is Discovered in Bulgaria

Archaeologists have unearthed the oldest known settlement in ancient Europe, located near the city of Provadia in Bulgaria. The town dates to between 4,700 and 4,200 BC, predating Greek civilization by 1,500 years. Discovered were two-story houses, walls, and parts of a gate, all located near then-valuable rock-salt deposits. read more

Siri Is Called on the Carpet by Apple—She May No Longer Help Chinese Find Prostitutes

Siri, the personal assistant on newer iPhones and iPads, will no longer help people find prostitutes in China. Responding to complaints, Apple decided to reprogram Siri to say it can’t locate them. In the U.S., however, she will still gladly lead you to an escort service. read more